Al Jazeera’s preview as Barcelona try to maneuver six factors clear in LaLiga after they face Actual Betis on Saturday.
Who: Barcelona vs Actual Betis
What: Spanish LaLiga
The place: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
When: Saturday at 8pm (18:00 GMT)
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LaLiga leaders Barcelona’s 21-game unbeaten run will face a take a look at on Saturday after they host Actual Betis – a aspect who’ve already shocked the Catalans’ Madrid title rivals Actual and Atletico.
Al Jazeera takes a take a look at a match that might upset Barca’s kind guide.
How are Barcelona and Actual Madrid faring?
Barca are prime on 66 factors, three forward of Actual Madrid and 9 away from Atletico. Actual and Barca are each chasing three trophies however the pacesetters are favourites to win LaLiga as the one workforce in Europe’s top-five leagues but to lose in 2025.
Why do folks assume Betis can upset Barca?
Barca’s subsequent opponents Betis are on a six-game LaLiga profitable streak and have been the shock bundle this time period.
They denied Actual Madrid an opportunity to go prime with a 2-1 win in March after ending Atletico’s 10-game unbeaten run in October.
Barcelona have been held 2-2 at Betis within the reverse fixture in December however thrashed Manuel Pellegrini’s aspect 5-1 to knock them out of the Copa del Rey in January.
Sixth-placed Betis are stage on 47 factors with Villarreal in fifth and path fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao by six as they push for a European spot whereas additionally bidding to win the Convention League.
Hansi Flick when requested concerning the treble ☘ pic.twitter.com/qHPNS6s7Ou
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 3, 2025
What do Barcelona say earlier than Betis take a look at?
“We’re not unbeatable as a result of we’ve got misplaced some matches (earlier than),” Barcelona midfielder Pedri mentioned. “There are issues to enhance, and we should be self-critical. However we’re in nice kind and filled with confidence.
“I feel excessive urgent is one thing that defines us. That ahead line, the depth we play with, staying calm on the ball … The attackers make the distinction, and it exhibits.”
What are Barca’s treble probabilities?
Barcelona’s attacking prowess stands out as they prime LaLiga’s scoring chart with 82 targets – 20 greater than Actual Madrid.
If Barca are to say a treble – in boss Hansi Flick’s debut season – they’ll seemingly have to beat Madrid not less than twice, within the Copa del Rey closing on April 26 and in LaLiga in Might. There’s additionally the potential of a “Clasico” within the Champions League closing.
Actual have did not beat their rivals in LaLiga up to now this season, drawing each of their fixtures with Atleti and struggling a 4-0 humiliation at dwelling to Barca. They needed to undergo the playoffs to achieve the Champions League knockout rounds.
🔥 @lewy_official is the primary #LALIGAEASPORTS participant to attain 25 targets within the first 28 video games of a season since Lionel messi for @fcbarcelona in 2018/19 marketing campaign (29 targets). pic.twitter.com/dYXwP3uIiy
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) April 4, 2025
Flick performs down Barca’s treble probabilities
“I do know everybody needs us to speak concerning the closing, it’s a ‘Clasico’, I get that, however I don’t reside prior to now or sooner or later and our focus must be Betis, who’re our subsequent opponents in LaLiga,” Flick instructed a information convention.
“Sure, we’re in an excellent second however I’ve been on this enterprise sufficient time to understand how every part can change in a heartbeat, so we have to maintain centered.
“Dreaming is allowed however first we have to work actually laborious and keep centered so we will maintain that dream alive.”
Who’re Actual Madrid and Atletico taking part in?
With 9 league video games remaining, second-placed Actual will look to maintain tempo on Saturday after they host Fifteenth-placed Valencia, who sit 4 factors above the drop zone.
Third-placed Atletico will attempt to rediscover their early-season kind after they go to mid-table Sevilla on Sunday. Atletico’s Champions League exit to Actual Madrid was adopted this week by defeat within the Copa del Rey by Barcelona as Diego Simeone’s aspect’s winless run stretched to 3 matches, with followers fearing a fourth straight season with out a trophy.
Barcelona workforce information
Lamine Yamal faces a late health take a look at as a consequence of a minimize suffered to his foot within the win in opposition to Girona.
Dani Olmo, Marc Casado, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all stay absent as a consequence of accidents.
Actual Betis workforce information
Isco is suspended as a consequence of his accumulation of yellow playing cards this season.
Marc Roca is ready to overlook out as soon as extra as a consequence of a foot harm.
